Shawne reminds fans about the last days of the “Battle for Bargains” on titles from ADV Films.

Kris and Judy talk about Japan’s T-34 robot and the Wii Fit Body Channel during a new “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”

Rich and Nick announce the winners of the K-drama contest for posters and preview DVDs of YA Entertainment’s The King and I and winners of passes to Bandai Entertainment’s upcoming theatrical screenings of Sword of the Stranger. Then they kick off a new Gunslinger Girl contest.

Marie takes a look at the newly released Kiba DVD Collection 1.

Nick and Rich provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.

Listen to musical clips from the JapanFiles.com CD METROPOLISby the band noodles.

And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Have a question about anime and manga?Want to comment on one of the podcast’s segments? Call our Anime Today Hotline at 1-800-338-6827, ext. 7424. You may hear yourself on a future episode of Anime Today!

Visit www.rightstuf.comand www.animetoday.comfor this episode, as well as an archive of all ANIME TODAY episodes and extended liner notes. Listeners can also download and subscribe to ANIME TODAY via the Apple iTunes Music Store.

Meet other anime fans, talk with ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the new ANIME TODAY forums: http://www.rightstuf.com/ubbthreads/.

Follow ANIME TODAY on Twitterathttp://www.twitter.com/animetoday.

ABOUT ANIME TODAYReleased every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics (“anime” and “manga”). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what’s new and what’s hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.

“If you’re into anime and what’s happening in the anime market then this is the podcast for you!”- User review on iTunes

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (“anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us and ARIA, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com .

In this new interview, Napton and Otsuka preview Bandai Entertainment’s theatrical release of the anime film Sword of the Stranger, another creation from BONES (Cowboy Bebop), and share details about the behind-the-scenes featurette that will be shown exclusively during the screenings. Sword of the Stranger will be in movie theaters across the United States for one night only on Thursday, February 5, 2009.